A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"Gorgeous Mountain Drive" is from the September 2005 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Roll down your windows. The high elevations, slivers of sunlight through the trees, and cold flowing waters keep the temps cool here. For an end-of-the-summer drive you'll never forget, trace North Carolina's Cullasaja River Gorge via U.S. 64 to enjoy the area's beautiful offerings.

Scenic Road Trip
The highway shadows the sway of the river. Because of tight and winding turns, the 20 miles from Franklin to Highlands seem to creep, and that's the best way to enjoy it.

A few gravel pull-offs dot the road. While no formal trails lead to the water, you can hop the rusty guardrail and step down rock by rock to access the river. You probably won't be alone. On sunny afternoons, you'll likely see the parked pickups of locals trying to get in a few fly rod casts before dark.

They're Falling for You
U.S. 64's main attractions include three glorious waterfalls. Drive 11 miles east from Franklin, and you'll find Cullasaja Falls gradually dropping 250 feet. The closest pull-off lies east of the falls, in the elbow of a blind curve. Be cautious crossing the road and hiking to the falls, because it lacks a trail.

Stand beneath Dry Falls, and the loud rush drowns out all other sounds. You'll need $2 to park at this stop, 16 1⁄2 miles east of Franklin. A trail with handrails leads to these falls, called "dry" because the path allows visitors to walk behind the 75-foot cascade without getting wet.

Bridal Veil Falls, 17 1⁄2 miles east of Franklin on the northern side of the highway, sprinkles more than it gushes. At one time, a small road allowed cars to drive beneath the 120-foot waterfall, but now it's open only to foot traffic.

Like others, you may be flocking here for one last excursion before busy fall routines begin. This September, consider this scenic drive.

For more information: Contact the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 1-888-720-7829 or www.franklin-chamber.com, or the Highlands Visitor's Center, (828) 526-2112 or www.highlandschamber.org.